IRA (Individual Retirement Account) – Make sure you have maximized your IRA contributions to take advantage of the tax benefits they offer. Contributions for 2018 may be made through Monday, April 15th, 2019. Note: Filing an extension on your tax return does not extend the deadline for making your IRA contributions. The 2018 maximums are $5,500 for IRA contributions for those under age 50 ($6,500 for those 50+), but for 2019 this is increasing (for the first time since 2013!) to $6,000 ($7,000 for those 50+). Make sure your contribution amount takes into consideration any prior contributions you have made for the tax year 2018, so you do not exceed this maximum.
If your income exceeds certain annual IRS limits, you may not be able to take a full deduction for a contribution to a traditional IRA, if you are eligible for a workplace retirement account such as a 401k. For 2018, these income limitations begin at $63,000 for singles/$101,000 for married filing jointly, increasing to $64,000/$103,000 in 2019. The rules can be complex, so it is wise to contact a financial or tax professional to discuss your specific situation. We rarely recommend traditional IRA contributions if they are not fully deductible, or cannot wisely be converted to a Roth IRA.
Once you reach age 70 ½ you are no longer eligible to make a traditional IRA contribution, but you can still make Roth IRA contributions, if you have earned wages.
Roth IRAs – Although there are no immediate tax benefits, for those who are eligible a Roth IRA might be the way to go because it provides tax-free withdrawal of contributions later. A Roth IRA has other benefits over a traditional IRA: 1) you can make contributions to your Roth IRA after you reach age 70 ½, and 2) you can leave amounts in your Roth IRA as long as you live. Your earned income does impact your eligibility to contribute to a Roth. An IRA calculator to help you determine if you qualify is available at www.rogersgreen.com under the Resources tab.
Spousal Roth/IRAs: Many are not aware of this provision allowing a non-working spouse to contribute to a Roth IRA based on the income of the working spouse. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can open a Roth IRA in your name and have your working spouse contribute to it from income/assets. The Roth IRA allows you to make withdrawals during retirement that are not subject to income taxes, increasing the portion of your money you may have to spend in retirement. There are more restrictive guidelines for making the same type of Spousal contribution into a traditional IRA account, and contributions would reduce your taxable income for the year for which the contribution is made; but withdrawals from those accounts will be taxable as income in retirement.
Irrevocable Roth Conversions: IRS guidelines allow for the irrevocable conversion of existing assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA regardless of your Adjusted Gross Income. A Roth conversion can lower your future tax bill if you anticipate higher future tax rates. Keep in mind, however, that converting normally results in a taxable event. The decision to convert can be complex, and you must consider many factors such as assumed future tax brackets, other assets available for retirement, and whether you have the assets to pay for the conversion income taxes. The decision to convert assets to a Roth is irrevocable and cannot be undone.
Roth Re-characterization No Longer Available: If you convert an IRA to a Roth IRA, and later change your mind, you can no longer undo or “re-characterize” that Roth conversion. The ability to do so ended as of 10/15/18.
401(k)/403(b) and most 457 Plan Contributions – The maximum contribution is $18,500 for 2018 and $19,000 for 2019. For those age 50+, an additional $6,000 catch-up contribution is also permitted for both years. Maximize your contributions, as this is how most people get started on investing for their future. If your company matches employee contributions into your 401(k), make sure you are contributing at minimum an amount that earns you the full employer match. Failure to do so equates to refusing free money from your employer. Your 401(k) contributions, unlike IRA contributions, must be made by December 31st each year. There is a provision limiting the matching money paid by employers into the 401k for those earning higher incomes. For 2018 that income limit rose to $275,000, and it is going up to $280,000 for 2019.
SEP IRAs & Solo 401ks – For the self-employed, the amount they can save in a SEP IRA/Solo 401(k) is $55,000 in 2018 rising to $56,000 for 2019. That is based on the amount you can contribute as a percentage of salary as an employer, with a compensation limit used in the savings calculation at $275,000 in 2018, and rising to $280,000 for 2019.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMD): If you or someone you know reaches or is beyond the age of 70½ during 2018, you must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from impacted retirement accounts (traditional IRAs and 401k type plans) each calendar year. Failure to take an RMD can result in a 50% IRS excise penalty on the amount of the distribution.
Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: The tax code allows you to gift cash or property, up to $15,000 for each 2018 and 2019, without a gift tax return or a gift tax. This exclusion can be used to help you bless others without a tax penalty. I’ve seen the joy my clients have received from helping a family member pay for a special trip, buy their first home, do home renovations, fund an adult child’s Spousal Roth IRA, or just to help them meet their living expenses during a difficult time. Gifting limits do not pertain to gifts to your spouse, which are unlimited.
Gifting for Education and Medical Expenses: Unlimited gifts in the form of tuition and other qualified educational and medical expenses are permitted, if you pay the care provider or learning institution directly.
Because of the eligibility requirements and variables impacting many of these decisions, the input of a financial advisor and a tax professional is recommended. To inquire about your individual situation, or about setting up an individual IRA or a 401k for your small business, please contact us at 770.931.1414 or visit our website at www.rogersgreen.com about scheduling a no-cost consultation.
This information is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied upon for the purpose of avoiding any federal or state tax penalties. Roger S. Green is a Registered Representative of, and securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Roger’s office is located at 3700 Crestwood Parkway Duluth, GA 30096.
